Software & Technical Skills Productivity & Office Suites: Microsoft Excel (Basics & Advanced) Microsoft 365 (including CRM system development) API & Development Tools: Postman File Transfer Protocols: FileZilla Banking & Financial Systems: Ensemble (IRIS) Inhouse African Bank System (Sherlock) OMNI (Case Management System) Certifications & Methodologies: FAIS – Key Individual RE1 CMD – Certificate in Management and Development Programme Certificate in Banking – RPL Programme (NQF4)
Hi, I’m
Linda Senekal
Quality Assurance And Project Management Professional
Centurion
There is a powerful driving force inside every human being that, once unleashed, can make any vision, dream, or desire a reality.
Tony Robbins
Summary
A highly dedicated and results-driven Senior Quality Assurance Specialist with over 15 years of progressive experience in the financial services industry. Proven leader in quality control and assurance, regulatory compliance, process optimization, and complex system implementation. Possessing a unique blend of analytical rigor, meticulous attention to detail, and a holistic problem-solving approach honed through diverse roles, including business ownership. Adept at leveraging data for strategic decision-making, managing cross-functional teams, and fostering strong stakeholder relationships. Thrives in dynamic, high-pressure environments, committed to ensuring quality, mitigating risk, and driving operational efficiency.
Quality assurance professional with deep expertise in identifying and resolving software defects. Skilled in implementing rigorous testing protocols, ensuring high standards of product reliability and performance. Strong focus on team collaboration, adaptable to changing project needs, and consistently delivers impactful results. Proficient in automated testing tools, test case development, and quality control methodologies. Reliable and committed to maintaining top-tier quality in all deliverables.
Overview
26
years of professional experience
4
years of post-secondary education
6
Certifications
Work History
Softsplice
Senior Quality Assurance Specialist
01.2025 - Current
Job overview
- Led comprehensive quality assurance efforts across a diverse portfolio of complex financial applications, encompassing core banking, issuing, payment processing, and compliance systems.
- Executed various testing methodologies, including functional, regression, integration, and production testing for system upgrades, fixes, and new feature deployments.
- Managed the end-to-end defect lifecycle, from identification and documentation to tracking and verification of resolutions, ensuring high-quality software releases.
- Provided direct client support by investigating reported issues, simulating scenarios, and leveraging SQL queries for data analysis and issue resolution.
- Developed and maintained essential QA documentation, including test plans, custom test cases, test templates, and formal sign-off documents.
- Created and managed secure test data and accounts for both QA and development teams, facilitating efficient and thorough testing.
- Utilized industry-standard tools for API testing (Postman) and file transfers (FileZilla) within a cloud-based environment.
- Contributed to internal knowledge sharing by developing training materials for QA processes and tools.
- Actively engaged in continuous professional development, including learning new enterprise systems (e.g., IRIS/Ensemble) and enhancing SQL proficiency for advanced data manipulation.
Kinesiology Services
Owner & Practitioner
07.2023 - 01.2025
Job overview
- Provided specialized Kinesiology services, including Advanced Emotional, Nutritional, and Structural Kinesiology, to a diverse client base.
- Conducted thorough holistic assessments of clients' physical, emotional, and energetic states, utilizing muscle testing techniques to identify imbalances.
- Designed and implemented personalized wellness plans, incorporating tailored nutrition, exercise, and stress management strategies.
- Operated and analyzed data from the SCIO biofeedback device to identify stressors and imbalances, offering targeted biofeedback sessions.
- Managed all aspects of a small business, including client acquisition, scheduling, record-keeping, and financial administration.
African Bank
Regulatory Complaints Team Manager
06.2022 - 06.2023
Job overview
- Managed a team responsible for analyzing and resolving complex complaints from ombuds, regulators, and media, ensuring regulatory compliance and process improvements.
- Identified, investigated, and resolved errors and illegalities in individual accounts, implementing corrections and effective process controls.
- Utilized data analysis to manage team performance, optimize turnaround times, and contribute to enhanced operational efficiencies.
- Liaised with relevant departments to implement enhancements to policies and procedures and mitigate identified system gaps.
- Managed specialized banking functions including Deceased Estates and Third-Party requests.
African Bank
Specialist: Customer Experience Enablement Lead
12.2019 - 06.2022
Job overview
- Led CRM System Implementation & Optimization (Microsoft Dynamics 365) to centralize customer data and track interactions, enhancing customer and business operations.
- Developed and implemented Service Level Agreements (SLAs) with business units and provided comprehensive CRM system training to consultants.
- Managed incident resolution and spearheaded initiatives to resolve system defects impacting customer service and experience.
- Implemented OMNI reporting solutions and integrated CRM reports, identifying data gaps and facilitating business process changes for improved customer service.
- Led testing and quality assurance efforts for CRM Dynamics and OMNI Generic enquiries, ensuring workflow optimization and system integrity.
African Bank
Specialist: Project Support & Enablement
04.2019 - 12.2019
Job overview
- Provided implementation, training, and ongoing support for the incident management team.
- Led the successful implementation of a robust case management system, identifying business gaps to optimize customer query resolution.
- Aligned quality assurance practices with customer experience insights, conducting analysis to highlight gaps and opportunities for strategic initiatives.
African Bank
Specialist: Project Control and Enablement
03.2018 - 03.2019
Job overview
- Monitored processes, tools, and systems to mitigate risk and inefficiencies, ensuring effective implementation of strategies.
- Designed and documented new operational processes, adhering to internal methodologies and ensuring distribution across the business.
- Managed project deadlines and provided training and coaching to consultants on products, systems, and new processes, fostering continuous improvement.
African Bank
Quality Assurance Specialist - Forensics
04.2015 - 02.2018
Job overview
- Proactively prevented control failures by closely monitoring processes and systems, identifying and testing all risk controls and weaknesses.
- Conducted thorough investigations to understand root causes of control breakdowns and implemented effective treatments.
- Managed three direct reports in Transactional Fraud Analytics, executing proactive fraud detection strategies to protect the bank and customers.
- Utilized fraud analysis models (e.g., Sherlock, Visa/VAA/VRM systems) to review alerts, identify suspicious activity, and mitigate fraud risk.
- Contributed to the development of an outcome-focused quality framework in the Shared Risk Services environment.
African Bank
National Quality Control Manager
09.2010 - 03.2015
Job overview
- Directed and mentored a national team of 40 Quality Control Specialists, along with 5 Direct Managers and 3 Central Quality Assurance Specialists, to ensure adherence to quality standards across retail banking operations. This involved both proactive Quality Assurance (process improvement, training, development) and reactive Quality Control (deal reviews, defect identification, compliance checks).
- Conducted meticulous reviews and analyses of deal quality, financial transactions, and compliance matters to identify root causes of quality issues.
- Developed, documented, and executed comprehensive test plans and test cases for system implementations, enhancing audit scores and compliance.
- Implemented a Quality and Risk Training and Education Framework, ensuring adoption of quality and risk management standards across the retail environment.
- Collaborated with developers to enhance the Sherlock system, a risk detection system for Quality Control Specialists.
African Bank
Regional Internal Auditor
09.2008 - 09.2010
Job overview
- Assessed the effectiveness of internal controls and risk management processes across the branch network.
- Prepared and structured audit plans, conducted detailed branch audits across South Africa, and documented audit work.
- Prepared detailed reports summarizing audit findings and presenting strategic recommendations to enhance operational compliance.
Datacentrix
Service Desk Administrator/Sales Assistant
09.2006 - 08.2008
Job overview
- Managed purchase orders, receipts, and invoices with high accuracy, ensuring timely closure of pending orders.
- Resolved debtors' queries and handled all financial queries within the sales environment.
Various Companies
Early Career & International Experience
01.2000 - 11.2004
Job overview
- Assistant Branch Manager, Central Order Processor (Wetherly’s Decorating Warehouse, Feb 2003-Nov 2004): Managed customer orders, stock tracking, warehouse coordination, and customer complaint resolution.
- Customer Service Agent (One Time Airline, Feb 2006-Aug 2006): Provided exceptional customer service, managing disgruntled passengers during delays.
- Receptionist and Personal Assistant (Rohde & Liesenfeld, Nov 2005-Jan 2006): Managed reception, administrative support, scheduling, and travel arrangements.
- Accounts Assistant / Purchase Ledger Clerk (Public Guardianship Office, UK, May 2000-Nov 2001; St Mary’s Medical School, Jan 2000-Mar 2000): Managed purchase ledger functions, including invoice processing and identifying process inefficiencies.
- Cashiers Officer (Public Guardianship Office, UK, Dec 2001-Sep 2002): Handled cash transactions and related administrative duties.
- Investment/Securities Administrator (B. Courts Funds Office, UK, Oct 2002-Nov 2002): Administered investment and securities functions.
Education
NORTH-WEST UNIVERSITY
B. Home Economics from Nutrition and Clothing Technology
01.1996 - 12.1999
University Overview
Relevant coursework includes: Nutrition Management, Nutrition, Psychology, Business Economics, Sociology, Micro Biology, Physiology, Counselling, Computer Information Systems.
Skills
Quality Assurance & Testing: Test Planning & Design, Test Case Development, Functional Testing, Regression Testing, Integration Testing, Production Testing, API Testing (Postman), User Acceptance Testing (UAT), Defect Management, Root Cause Analysis, Quality Control, Test Data Management, Quality Framework Development, CRM Testing
Operations & Process Management: Workflow Optimization, Process Improvement, Incident Management, Service Level Agreement (SLA) Development & Management, Business Process Controls, Regulatory Compliance, Risk Management, Operational Efficiency, Project Support, Go-Live Support, Deceased Estates & Third-Party Requests
Data Analysis & Reporting: Business Data Analysis, Data Modeling, Reporting & Analytics Tools Implementation, Data Security, Market Trend Analysis, Data-Driven Decision Making, Forecasting, Financial Transaction Analysis, Fraud Detection & Analysis
Stakeholder Engagement & Leadership: Stakeholder Communication, Cross-functional Coordination, Team Leadership (up to 40 staff, 5 direct managers), Training & Development, Mentorship, Client Support, Conflict Resolution, Departmental Representation, Policy & Procedure Enhancement
System Implementation & Optimization: CRM System Implementation (Microsoft Dynamics 365), Case Management System Implementation, System Defect Resolution, User Experience (UX) Optimization, System Integration, Enterprise System Learning (IRIS/Ensemble)
Holistic Health & Client Consulting: Advanced Emotional Kinesiology, Nutritional Kinesiology, Structural Kinesiology, Bioenergetic Assessment (SCIO device), Muscle Testing, Personalized Wellness Plan Design, Holistic Client Assessment, Client Education & Guidance, Energy Flow Facilitation, Stress Management, Nutritional Guidance, Exercise Program Development
Team leadership
Decision-making
Team collaboration
Internal audits
Quality assurance
Project management
Risk management
Quality system implementation
Certification
Advanced Emotional, Nutritional, Structural Kinesiology Certified Practitioner | [Issuing Body/Date]
Personal Details
- Driving Licence: Code 08
- Health: Excellent
Availability
See my work availability
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Available
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Work Preference
Work Type
Full TimeLocation Preference
HybridImportant To Me
Career advancementWork-life balanceCompany CultureFlexible work hoursPersonal development programsHealthcare benefitsWork from home optionPaid time offPaid sick leaveSoftware
Languages
Afrikaans
Advanced (C1)
English
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
Interests
Mind & Body Wellness: Kinesiology and Quantum Biofeedback (exploring human brain function and holistic well-being) Outdoor Activities: Hiking and long-distance walking Creative Pursuits: Painting
Timeline
Senior Quality Assurance Specialist
Softsplice
01.2025 - Current
Owner & Practitioner
Kinesiology Services
07.2023 - 01.2025
Regulatory Complaints Team Manager
African Bank
06.2022 - 06.2023
Specialist: Customer Experience Enablement Lead
African Bank
12.2019 - 06.2022
Specialist: Project Support & Enablement
African Bank
04.2019 - 12.2019
Specialist: Project Control and Enablement
African Bank
03.2018 - 03.2019
Quality Assurance Specialist - Forensics
African Bank
04.2015 - 02.2018
National Quality Control Manager
African Bank
09.2010 - 03.2015
Regional Internal Auditor
African Bank
09.2008 - 09.2010
Service Desk Administrator/Sales Assistant
Datacentrix
09.2006 - 08.2008
Early Career & International Experience
Various Companies
01.2000 - 11.2004
NORTH-WEST UNIVERSITY
B. Home Economics from Nutrition and Clothing Technology
01.1996 - 12.1999